RIP: Michael Hossack, Doobie Brothers drummer

Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack died at his home in Dubois, Wyoming yesterday at the age of 65. He had been battling cancer for some time and succumbed to complications of the disease with his family at his side.

Hossack was a member of the Doobie Brothers between 1971 and 1973, playing on several of the band’s best-known hits, including “Jesus Is Just Alright,” “Listen to the Music” and “China Grove.” Hossack returned to the band when they reunited in 1987 and was a mainstay of the group through the next two decades, performing on most of the group’s tours until he took a health leave in 2010.

The Doobie Brothers released a statement on Hossack in January, saying he was improving slowly. In 2010, Hossack wrote a message to his fans explaining that while “it’s been hard not touring with the band,” he had “incredible support” from his family, friends and the Doobie Brothers.

While it may seem like Portishead are slackers, what with their track record of taking their sweet time between records, band leader Geoff Barrow actually keeps himself pretty busy outside of Portishead releases and tours. Recently, Barrow released the Drive soundtrack in Europe on vinyl under his Invada imprint and has been working on a hip-hop project, Quakers, that is set to release their debut album on Stones Throw later this month (March 27).

In light of all that, it’s a nice surprise to hear that the group will be playing a handful of live dates in Spain and Italy this summer. Word on their long-rumored and long-awaited fourth album? FACT reports that Barrow assures them it’s “definitely” being recorded, though it seems like we’ve heard this before to no avail…

My dad used to tell me a story about a guy who said he was the toughest guy in the world. Some other guy shot the first guy, then that second guy said he was the toughest guy in the world. I think the point of the story was to teach me not to play with guns. And I think my dad actually said “baddest” instead of “toughest.” Never you mind, it’s all as relevant as it has ever been. King Tuff (a.k.a. Happy Birthday frontman Kyle Thomas) told everybody that he was the toughest king in the world, so another king shot him and now he is dead. Wait, that’s just the same story my dad told me. Apologies.

King Tuff never did any of that stuff. What King Tuff actually did was make a self-titled sophomore record, coming out May 26 through Sub Pop. Tough guys and gals can get it on CD, LP, Mp3, any format they desire. You desire more formats, you get a mouth full of teeth. Teeth that aren’t connected to your mouth. They’re loose, because of a punch, get it? Forget it, listen to the first single “Bad Thing”:

Before the record sees release, King Tuff will be starting a few fights across the country, mainly during SXSW. Some call SXSW “Fight Central,” on account of all the fights. Actually, I’ve never seen a fight during SXSW, but I bet it happens. How could it not happen?

Did you know that Woods are a hardcore band? Perhaps you thought they were more along the lines of a psych or folk band, but you are wrong. They are a hardcore band, because they are putting out a split LP. Bands that aren’t hardcore bands do put out split records (hey Grimes), but you know who doesn’t know that? My brain. It rejects this knowledge and holds tight to its belief that only hardcore bands put out split records.

As far as my brain is concerned, hardcore warriors Woods are putting out a split record with fellow hardcore warriors Amps for Christ. The Amps for Christ/Woods CD will see release on April 17, while the vinyl comes out on May 1. Both versions are being put out through Shrimper, who I am fairly sure have a roster of bands surrounded by x’s. One of the record’s tracks, “From Oatmeal to Buttermilk,” features the two bands collaborating, as Woods’s furious breakdowns meet Amps for Christ’s SoCal hardcore frenzy.

Around the time of the split’s release, Woods will head out on a fairly extensive US tour. Oddly, they do not seem to be playing any VFW halls or Unitarian churches. Don’t worry, though, there will surely be floor punching.

I’m a little puzzled by the title of Dent May’s forthcoming sophomore album. It’s called Do Things, and I’m wondering what exactly Dent May wants me to do. Adopt a rabbit? Build a treehouse? Swim across the Pacific Ocean? From the psych-funk sound of “Fun,” I have a feeling Dent May might suggest throwing a beach party where everyone flies kites and wears goggles, or maybe drawing swimming pools on sidewalks with pink chalk.

Without his faithful ukulele, Dent May experiments with “synthesizer filigrees and harmonious coos” — harkening back to disco’s heydey, all the while skipping between subjects such as friendship, finding meaning in life, and general malaise. Slightly more contemplative, but still a cheery little summer release. Dent May recorded the album half in bedroom sessions at the Cats Purring Dude Ranch (where he lives and hosts DIY shows) and half in a friend’s cabin by a cotton field just outside Oxford, Mississippi. Do Things will see a June 12 release on Paw Tracks, just in time for beach party weather.

Dude, did you hear that Southern Lord Records is reissuing a deluxe version of Dopesmoker by Sleep this year?

Hit II.

Dude, did you know that the reissue of Dopesmoker by Sleep is gonna be remastered to sound better and that it’ll have new artwork by long-time Sleep artist Arik Roper that reportedly is totally smokable? Dead serious.

Hit III.

Dude, did you know that inspired Seal Team 6 to take down Osama Whathisface?

Hit IV.

Dude, I heard the reissue of Dopesmoker by Sleep contains this live track “Holy Mountain,” recorded at San Francisco’s I-Beam in 1994, and at that show, the whole fucking audience turned to stone when fucking guitarist Matt Pike played ripped out this one ancient melody that was carved on the gravestone of fucking Rutherford B. Hayes.

Hit V.

Dude, I just realized that if Dopesmoker by Sleep was, like, a woman… oh man…

Hit VI.

Dude, did I already tell you this crazy shit that Southern Lord is gonna be reissued on Dopesmoker by Sleep this year on Southern Lord via Dopesmoker by Sleep on Southern Lord?

Hit VII.

Dude, haha seriously, did you know that if your copy of Dopesmoker by Sleep is bigger than your face, you’re retarded?